Chapter 74

Zhuang Zhixi's job transfer was in the works.

Although the formalities were not yet completed, he couldn't wait to announce it to everyone at home.

Zhao Guihua sighed, thinking that people back then were indeed more simple-hearted. If this had happened a few decades later, without something in writing, it would have been hard to say if it would have been sabotaged. But back then, such situations were almost non-existent.

Every era has its good and bad people, but the overall environment wasn't as complicated.

Although the Zhuang family didn't spread the news, the neighbors in the courtyard soon found out, mainly because of Old Man Bai, who had a big mouth and felt extremely sour about it.

This opportunity should have been his.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

If he hadn't been scared stiff and unable to go on stage at the last minute, this chance would have been his!

Old Man Bai felt he had missed a great opportunity, but he didn't consider that if it had been a normal performance, there might not have been a job transfer. It was because Zhuang Zhixi had bravely stepped in to save the day and hadn't faltered that the matter was settled.

"The White-Haired Girl" was an old play, and everyone knew the general plot and most of the lines. Yet, no one else had volunteered to step in, only Zhuang Zhixi. This kind of courage and willingness to take responsibility was indeed commendable.

Old Man Bai was so upset he couldn't eat, and after returning home, he lay on the bed, feeling utterly dejected.

Aunt Su, seeing Old Man Bai come back and shut the door, glanced around, tidied up her clothes, and prepared to pay him a visit. She knew that Old Man Bai was supposed to play Yang Bailao, as he had mentioned it several times in the courtyard, and everyone had taken note. But clearly, he hadn't performed today.

Later, Sui's Boy spread the word that Old Man Bai had been too nervous to go on stage.

Aunt Su was accustomed to stepping in during such times. When was the best time to capture a man's heart? When he was lonely, cold, and feeling down, especially when everyone else had abandoned him. The more low-spirited he was, the more she needed to show her care and consideration.

Aunt Su stepped out and knocked on the Bai family's door: "Old Man Bai, it's me, Aunt Su."

Hearing her voice, Old Man Bai quickly replied: "Come in, the door's not locked."

Aunt Su entered and saw him lying on the bed, asking: "What's wrong with you? Why so listless?" She didn't pretend not to know, instead showing concern: "I know you're feeling bad about it, but getting nervous right before going on stage is perfectly normal. After all, we're not professional actors. Don't be too hard on yourself. If you get too sad and hurt your body, those of us who care about you will feel bad too."

Old Man Bai immediately looked at Aunt Su.

Aunt Su sat by the bed and said: "A man should get back up where he falls. There will always be another chance. Next time, just perform well."

Old Man Bai sighed and said: "You only know part of it."

Aunt Su was puzzled: "What do you mean?"

Was there more to the story?

Old Man Bai grumbled: "It's all because of that Zhuang kid."

Aunt Su's eyes darted around, and she quickly asked: "Did he scheme against you?"

If that were the case, she would have to spread the word. Zhao Guihua was always showing off, so it was necessary to expose her family's dirty deeds. Thinking of this, she became even more eager and asked: "Tell me, what happened?"

Old Man Bai wiped his face and said: "It wasn't him scheming against me. It's that leader's fault. If he hadn't tripped, I wouldn't have been scared stiff and unable to go on stage. As a result, I missed a great opportunity."

Aunt Su: "What opportunity?"

Old Man Bai: "Zhuang Zhixi was praised by the leader for his performance and transferred to the Propaganda Department. This opportunity should have been mine! If I hadn't been scared and unable to go on stage, it would have been mine! I missed a great opportunity."

Aunt Su was shocked: "What, transferred to the Propaganda Department?!"

Old Man Bai nodded, looking miserable: "I'm in logistics now, a service position. If I had been transferred to the Propaganda Department, it would have been an administrative position, with higher pay. Not to mention, the job is much more respectable than logistics. Such a great opportunity, such a great opportunity, gone!"

He almost cried to the heavens, feeling that fate had played a cruel joke on him.

Although he was not young, he could still handle the work in the Propaganda Department!

Moreover, working in an office wasn't that demanding.

He had missed it, truly missed it.

She quickly urged: "Can't you talk to the leader about it? This was your opportunity, how could it be given to him? There's no justice in this. You can't let this go."

She wanted Old Man Bai to do well because if he did, she would benefit too. But if Zhao Guihua's family did well, she wouldn't be happy. That family wouldn't help her anyway.

Besides, they were all women of similar age, and there was always some competition.

She didn't want the Zhuang family to thrive.

"This matter can't be ignored!"

Old Man Bai: "Do you think no one brought it up? Someone did, and they got scolded."

In fact, Director Song had scolded him too, as he had caused too much trouble. If it weren't for Zhuang Zhixi, the show would have been a disaster. Director Song only scolded him, reasoning with others.

But he couldn't say that.

He said: "The leader said that it was because Zhuang Zhixi performed well in saving the show that he was praised and transferred. If he hadn't been transferred, no one else would have had the chance. It wasn't a matter of competing for a position, but Zhuang Zhixi taking it, and no one else having the opportunity."

Aunt Su frowned, feeling very displeased. She complained: "So, he stepped on you to get ahead?"

Old Man Bai: "Exactly, if it weren't for saving the show, he might not have had this chance."

Aunt Su: "Then their family should show some gratitude."

Aunt Su incited: "We should go to their house and make them give up some benefits. How can they step on you to get ahead? They must compensate you."

She was very proactive in inciting Old Man Bai, but he himself was somewhat hesitant. After a moment of hesitation, he said: "Maybe we should just let it go?"

Aunt Su: "How can we let it go? If you let it go, they'll think you're easy to bully and will surely be even more arrogant in the future. Besides, it's their family's fault in the first place. Is it wrong for us to ask for some compensation? Not at all."

Old Man Bai: "This..."

Aunt Su: "I support you."

Old Man Bai, upon thinking, suddenly gained courage. He nodded: "You're right. I'm a man from Beijing, what do I have to be afraid of? This matter should have been mine from the start. I can't not go to them. At least half of his salary should be mine."

Aunt Su: "Exactly."

She quickly said: "Go to them now."

Old Man Bai: "Alright."

But despite saying that, he didn't move.

Aunt Su: "What's wrong? Don't think about giving them face. They didn't show you any face in the first place."

Old Man Bai, despite being muddle-headed with Aunt Su, was actually a bit more sensible than his son Bai Fendou. Although Aunt Su's incitement was very persuasive, he didn't move, knowing that this matter wouldn't work out.

He had been neighbors with the Zhuang family for decades and wasn't as brainless as Aunt Zhou. He knew that Zhao Guihua was not someone to be trifled with. This old lady was quite fierce.

Moreover, although he was very angry about the situation, he couldn't find any fault with the Zhuang family. He had been scolded by Director Song for half an hour backstage, and the people from the Propaganda Department wouldn't cover for him. They probably hated him too.

The actors playing Xi'er and Huang Shiren had already stopped talking to him.

He had almost caused a big problem for the performance, and those people were probably spreading rumors about him. If he went to the Zhuang family to argue, he probably wouldn't get anything good out of it.

Not only would he gain no benefit, but he might also lose face. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Sister Su, we're neighbors, let's just let it go. Making a big deal out of this wouldn't be pretty."

Aunt Su: "What's so unseemly about it? Brother Bai, I feel wronged on your behalf. You've been practicing diligently in the publicity department, haven't you? It's not your fault if your legs go weak just before the performance. I don't think anyone should blame you for that. If they do, they're just heartless. Now that Zhuang Zhixi is stepping on you to get ahead, why aren't they standing up for you?"

Old Man Bai looked uncomfortable: "Everyone likes Zhuang Zhixi. That old Huang is especially protective of him. That brat knows how to flatter. Director Song, old Huang, and a few other old-timers always smile when they mention him. If I were to confront him, I'd definitely be at a disadvantage. Besides, Zhao Guihua wouldn't let me demand money from her son. That shrew can cause trouble even when she's not in the right. Look at how she fought with Aunt Zhou a while back, slapping her with such force. As a man, it's not appropriate for me to get involved with such a woman. She's a housewife who doesn't care about her reputation, but I do."

Aunt Su could see that Old Man Bai didn't dare to confront the Zhuang family. She felt a bit contemptuous. No wonder she hadn't been with Old Man Bai for decades. A man like him is useless in critical moments. How could she possibly look up to him?

She didn't expect to find a tiger of a man, but she certainly didn't want a mouse.

She pursed her lips and, seeing Old Man Bai's uneasy expression, guessed that he probably hadn't fared well in the publicity department. Knowing it was impossible to get anything out of it, that's why he wasn't going. This thought made her even more contemptuous. If you can't do it, just say so!

Clearly incapable, yet pretending to be all macho. Isn't that just showing off?

It was a waste of her breath.

She felt disdain in her heart but was very good at maintaining a facade for the man, saying, "What you say makes sense too. Although it was unfair of their family, we're neighbors, so it's not good to make things too tense. Otherwise, it would be awkward to interact in the future. Actually, I don't care about this matter; it has nothing to do with me. I just feel sorry for you, feeling wronged and not worth it."

Old Man Bai was touched: "Sister Su, I understand you..."

He grabbed Aunt Su's hand in one go. Aunt Su: "..."

She took a deep breath and said, "Let go quickly; it's not good if someone sees us. By the way, where's your son, Bai Fendou? Why hasn't he come back yet? What's the matter with him? Just because of a few words from Xiangxiu, he can't forgive her? A man shouldn't be so petty. Doesn't he understand how sincere Xiangxiu is towards him?"

Old Man Bai didn't particularly like Wang Xiangxiu, saying, "Sister Su, don't be too naive. Wang Xiangxiu... I think she's just like that. It's a good thing she's not close to our Fendou. With Fendou's conditions, finding a twenty-something virgin shouldn't be a problem. Although Wang Xiangxiu can indeed bear sons, she's still a widow."

"What's wrong with being a widow? Do you look down on widows? Are you looking down on me?" Aunt Su's eyes turned red.

Old Man Bai: "No, of course not. It's just that my son is still a virgin young man, so of course, he has to find a virgin girl."

Aunt Su forced a smile, saying, "Then I'll talk to Xiangxiu about it."

She took a step back, cursing in her heart, "Pfft, virgin girl? Look at your stupid son, does he even deserve that?"

Not even close!

You don't even deserve a widow!

Aunt Su said, "Since that's your family's idea, I'll tell Xiangxiu, and she won't bother your son, Bai Fendou, anymore. I hope your son finds a better woman and a better future."

Old Man Bai: "That's what I'm thinking. If he finds someone like Jiang Lu with a good family background, wouldn't that help our family? Don't you think?"

Aunt Su: "..."

What a dumbass.

She forced a smile, saying, "Yes, that's for sure."

Gurgle gurgle, her stomach growled.

Aunt Su: "Well, Brother Bai, I'll head back first. It's almost dinnertime."

Old Man Bai quickly said, "Stay for dinner. I'll make some noodles with white flour; let's eat together."

Aunt Su: "But the kids at home..."

Old Man Bai wasn't capable of loving others' children as his own, saying, "Wang Xiangxiu is at home with them; you eat here. Don't be polite."

He didn't invite the children.

Aunt Su saw that she couldn't take advantage of the situation at home, so she sighed and said, "Alright then."

Aunt Su stayed at Old Man Bai's place for a long time without coming out. Aunt Zhou was lurking nearby, sneaking around, muttering curses: "Adulterers!"

She grumbled, "What a shameless pair."

Her eyes rolled around, and she said, "You two won't have it easy!"

In this courtyard, there were actually quite a few families, but among those who had lost their spouses, there were only a few of them. The newly moved-in Lan Sihai was also a bachelor, and she thought it would be more lively. But she never expected that this old man would find a new partner so quickly.

This incident was quite a shock.

Sometimes she would eavesdrop by the wall, only hearing laughter, which made her resentful. Why can't she live a decent life while others can? She was alone, and before, with Aunt Su and Old Man Bai, everyone was alone, so she didn't feel anything was wrong with her.

But now, suddenly, Lan Sihai found a partner, and Old Man Bai stepped up his pursuit of Aunt Su, who also grew closer to Old Man Bai. This left her alone. Her reputation and character were bad, and even if she wanted to find someone, no one would be willing.

Aunt Zhou was very resentful.

No matter what, Aunt Su shouldn't be allowed to find someone; she must stay alone like her.

Absolutely.

Aunt Zhou was furious in her heart, but she didn't know that even though Aunt Su wasn't a good person, she had no intention of getting involved with Old Man Bai. Why get married when she could spend his money without it? Why marry him and have to wash his clothes, cook for him, clean the house, endure his bad habits and stinky feet, and maybe even take care of his thirty-something son who can't find a partner? She wasn't going to suffer that.

Aunt Zhou was eavesdropping by Old Man Bai's window, and Zhao Guihua could see everything clearly. In the world of gossip, Zhao Guihua always had loyal partners, like her daughter-in-law, Ming Mei.

Ming Mei leaned close to Zhao Guihua and said, "Mom, do you think Aunt Zhou really loves Old Man Bai? Look at her, she's even eavesdropping."

"Eavesdropping means love?"

"Well, not exactly, but she's paying too much attention."

Liang Meifen also joined in: "That's right. Earlier, Old Man Bai mentioned that Aunt Zhou even took off her clothes in front of him."

Oh my, just thinking about it makes one's eyes burn.

Liang Meifen felt that seeing such a scene would probably make one throw up their leftover meal from the night before.

These old folks are really playing around. In our courtyard, the young people haven't even gotten into any love triangles, yet the older folks are already at it. It's a good thing they're old; otherwise, they'd be arrested for indecent behavior.

Old age saved them.

Zhao Guihua thought that neither of her daughters-in-law had seen through the essence of the matter. Based on her understanding of Aunt Zhou, there was no true love involved. When she was young, she sought Old Man Bai for money and a good life; now, she sought him purely out of fear that others would live better than her.

She's just a twisted soul!

She said, "This person has issues."

She didn't say more; these young folks don't understand anyway.

She said, "We're going for a picnic in the suburbs tomorrow. Is anyone not going?"

Everyone looked at Zhao Guihua; of course, no one was going to miss it.

Ming Mei: "I wish I had a seven-day vacation every week and could go hiking every day."

She still remembered the extra income she made.

Zhao Guihua: "Alright, we're six people..."

Hutou raised his hand and said pitifully, "Grandma, I'm also a person."

Xiao Yanzi nodded and moved closer to her brother, saying, "Xiao Yanzi is also a person."

She said seriously, "I want to be a person."

Zhao Guihua was taken aback, then smiled and said, "Okay, okay, you can be a person. Don't worry."

Xiao Yanzi looked at Zhao Guihua seriously for a while and finally nodded. She said softly but cheerfully, "That's great, I can be a person now."

She was afraid that she wouldn't be included, but Xiao Yanzi also wanted to go; she didn't want to stay home alone.

Xiao Yanzi hugged her brother's arm tightly, not letting go for a moment, determined not to be left behind.

Zhao Guihua said, "In that case, let's have the old couple take the two kids on the bus, and you two couples can ride bikes."

"Sounds good."

Everyone agreed with this arrangement.

This was a family outing, and Zhao Guihua added, "We should bring some lunch. Since we're going out, there's no rush to come back."

"You're right."

Zhao Guihua wasn't too keen on taking the kids along, but Hutou and Xiao Yanzi had been looking forward to a family outing for a long time. Although the kids didn't know how tough hiking could be, they always saw the elders bringing back something from their trips, so they were eager to see what it was like.

Zhao Guihua said, "Let's bring more stuff this time. Maybe we'll have a good harvest."

They usually came back with something every time they went, so Zhao Guihua was quite confident.

"Alright."

"Guihua, are you going to the movies this afternoon?" Aunt Wang walked in, pushing the door open and saying, "The whole family is here?"

"Yes."

"Aunt Wang, have you eaten?"

Aunt Wang replied, "Yes, yes." She waved her hand and asked, "What are you all doing?"

Zhao Guihua said, "We're discussing our spring outing tomorrow."

Aunt Wang chuckled and remarked, "You're quite energetic."

She asked, "I heard your third son's job is being transferred?"

In no time, Aunt Zhou had spread the news far and wide. She really was a fast talker.

Zhao Guihua raised her eyebrows in surprise and said, "You have quite the ear for news. I haven't even mentioned it, and you already know."

Aunt Wang said, "Oh, Aunt Zhou told me. She heard it from Old Man Bai."

She glanced at Zhuang Zhixi and said, "Zhixi, you're usually a sharp kid, and I didn't expect you to seize this opportunity. That's great. In the future, your Aunt Wang might need your help."

This was a joke; as a homemaker, she didn't need Zhuang Zhixi for anything, but she was genuinely curious and came to inquire. How did this kid get so lucky? She couldn't help but look at Zhuang Zhixi's head, wondering if there was some kind of luck on it.

Zhuang Zhixi joked, "Oh, Aunt Wang, you need my help? My Uncle Li and Brother Yang are the darlings of the leaders. Even if I go to the publicity department, I'll just be a clerk. The leaders won't even know who I am. But Uncle Li is different; he can talk to the leaders. Everyone in the factory knows that Uncle Li makes the best dishes. All the leaders love them."

Aunt Wang was flattered and smiled proudly, saying, "You rascal..."

Zhuang Zhixi said, "Aunt Wang, don't say I'm exaggerating. I'm telling the truth."

Aunt Wang was delighted and said, "Alright, I'll have Uncle Li put in a good word for you."

Zhuang Zhixi replied, "Sounds good."

He leaned back in his chair with a smile, and Aunt Wang said, "Zhao Guihua, are you going to the movies? There's a show this afternoon."

She was enthusiastic, "They say they're showing three movies in a row. That's rare."

Zhao Guihua said, "I'm going!"

She was quite eager, but Zhuang Zhixi waved his hand and said, "I won't go. I'll stay home and rest. I've been pretty tired lately."

It wasn't that he was physically tired, but he wasn't used to the pace. In the clinic, he was always relaxed, but suddenly being busy made him feel out of sync.

"I plan to sleep well this afternoon."

“Rest all you want; we'll go our way. You're such a weakling, not as strong as us young folks. You're like mud that can't be propped up against the wall.” Only a mother could tease her own son like that.

Zhuang Zhixi defended himself, "I'm just a bit weak."

He said it quite confidently.

"You never know how to give me a good meal."

Zhao Guihua retorted, "Just shut up."

A grown man had the nerve to say he was weak. Was he even a normal man?

Zhuang Zhixi didn't care and said, "I still need meat to get stronger."

Zhao Guihua shot him a look and said, "I'll give you a fart. You're just thinking of good things. I see you just want meat."

Everyone laughed.

Zhuang Zhixi pouted, "Look, I was just kidding."

Zhao Guihua ignored him and said to Aunt Wang, "Call me when you leave."

Hutou immediately said, "I'm going too."

Zhao Guihua replied, "Sure."

These days, there wasn't much entertainment. Even though they had just watched a performance in the morning, it didn't stop everyone from going to the movies in the afternoon. The whole neighborhood set off again, bustling with activity. Zhuang Zhixi looked at his wife and asked, "Aren't you going?"

Ming Mei said, "I'll stay with you."

She teased, "Do you want to be alone at home? Besides, we can watch movies anytime."

Zhuang Zhixi said, "My wife is the best."

The courtyard gradually emptied as people left for the movies. The couple lay in bed together, cuddling. Ming Mei said, "You must be exhausted these days. Come, let me give you a massage."

Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow and said, "That's so nice. I'll enjoy it thoroughly."

Ming Mei chuckled softly.

"What are your plans for the future?"

Zhuang Zhixi said, "Just work hard. Even if I'm transferred, I'll be new there and need to prove myself. This transfer will draw a lot of attention, and many people will be watching me. I can't afford to make mistakes."

He was different from most people. His transfer was exceptional, and if it had been through normal channels, the attention might not have been as intense. But now, being transferred for good performance, he would be under more scrutiny.

He said, "But you don't need to worry about me. I'm the best at brown-nosing."

Ming Mei burst out laughing and said, "Is brown-nosing something to be proud of?"

"Of course," Zhuang Zhixi said, holding Ming Mei's hand. "Don't worry about me."

Ming Mei teased, "Why would I worry about you? Don't I know what kind of person you are?"

She sighed, "But you haven't had it as smooth as me."

Ming Mei's work had always been smooth, which was the difference between a big unit and a small one. In a big factory with thousands of people, how many knew Old Man Zhuang? But Ming Mei's unit was different; it was smaller, and as a successor, she had it easier.

"You having a smooth ride is better than me having one," Zhuang Zhixi said.

"Come, let's rest a bit."

The couple chatted casually, not going out. The same went for Wang Xiangxiu. Her family had also gone to the movies. In fact, most people in the courtyard had gone, leaving only a few behind. If truth be told, Wang Xiangxiu wanted to go too, but when she heard that Zhuang Zhixi wasn't going, she was tempted.

Since losing Zhou Qun as a source of income, her life had been much harder. Recently, it had been even worse, as Bai Fendou, who was heartbroken, had stopped talking to her.

Her finances had taken a hit.

For this reason, she had to look elsewhere for hope. She had always had her eye on Zhuang Zhixi, and now even more so.

She stood at the window, looking out, and muttered to herself, "I wonder if Ming Mei went out."

She hesitated for a moment, then suddenly thought that she hadn't seen Ming Mei leave. She frowned and muttered, "What a nuisance. Always sticking with men and having no life of her own. Pfft."

Wang Xiangxiu thought for a moment and went out to fetch water.

As she walked through the courtyard, her eyes kept darting to the window of Ming Mei's room. After a while, she saw that the other houses were locked. She quietly turned around and silently approached the window of Ming Mei's house.

She held her breath and listened intently.

Wang Xiangxiu had just crouched down when she suddenly felt the window slide open. Startled, she didn't even have time to react before a bucket of cold water was dumped directly on her. Fortunately, the weather was warm now. If it had been the slightest bit colder, that bucket of water would have been a real nuisance.

Even so, Wang Xiangxiu couldn't help but shiver.

She pursed her lips, about to look up, when she saw the window close again.

Wang Xiangxiu: "!!!"

At that moment, she wasn't sure if Ming Mei had noticed her and deliberately poured the water, or if it was just a coincidence that she happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

It was quite normal for them to open the window and pour water directly into the yard.

No one did this in the winter because the ice could cause falls, but in warmer weather, it didn't matter.

She cursed her bad luck, tiptoed back quickly, and wondered what kind of water it was. She glared hatefully at the window of Ming Mei's house, thinking it seemed like an accident. She muttered curses as she changed her clothes. Meanwhile, Ming Mei was pressed against the window, quietly laughing.

Zhuang Zhixi gave his wife a thumbs up and said, "Impressive."

Ming Mei put on a smug expression and said, "Who told her to come and eavesdrop?"

Wang Xiangxiu thought she was being stealthy, but little did she know, she was spotted the moment she arrived. At noon, with the sun at its peak, Wang Xiangxiu's shadow appeared on the window, though she was unaware of it herself.

"Is this woman sick? Crazy, coming over to eavesdrop for no reason," Ming Mei said, unable to understand Wang Xiangxiu.

Zhuang Zhixi half-jokingly said, "Maybe she's got a crush on me?"

Ming Mei looked at Zhuang Zhixi and then raised an eyebrow.

Ming Mei: "Are you serious?"

She pinched Zhuang Zhixi's cheek, and he said, "Mercy, my lady, I'm just kidding."

Though he said that, Ming Mei didn't believe him.

Although Zhuang Zhixi loved to joke, she couldn't take his words at face value. She climbed onto the bed and pinched his cheek, saying, "Comrade Zhuang Zhixi, let me tell you, don't try to feed me nonsense. She must have tried to flirt with you. I don't buy your 'just kidding' act."

Zhuang Zhixi: "Everyone knows that?"

Ming Mei: "Of course."

Judging from Wang Xiangxiu's usual behavior, it was clear as day.

Zhuang Zhixi said, "She didn't explicitly express anything, but there was a hint of that. However, since she didn't actually do anything, I can't just accuse her."

Though he said that, both of them knew what kind of person she was.

Ming Mei pinched Zhuang Zhixi's cheek and firmly said, "I don't care. I'm telling you, you better listen up: stay away from her. If you dare to mess around outside, I'll kill you."

Zhuang Zhixi: "Wow, you're quite fierce."

Ming Mei: "Do you think I'm joking? Let me tell you, if you dare to be like Zhou Qun or Bai Fendou, I'll show you what it means to have three eyes like the Horse King."

She said seriously, "I'm not someone to be trifled with."

Ming Mei pinched Zhuang Zhixi, who acted like he was pretending to be injured for sympathy, falling onto Ming Mei and saying, "If I misbehave, let my father-in-law deal with me."

Ming Mei chuckled and said, "Do I need my dad? I can handle you like it's child's play. Besides, I..." She paused and said, "I'm not to be messed with."

Zhuang Zhixi raised an eyebrow, thinking Ming Mei didn't mean that sentence, but since she changed the subject, he didn't ask further. He said, "Wife, just watch my performance."

Ming Mei snorted.

She said, "I'm not just talking big; I mean it."

Zhuang Zhixi: "I know."

This little incident left Ming Mei a bit unhappy, but she still trusted Zhuang Zhixi somewhat. After all, any significant event affecting her would appear in her dreams. Since she hadn't dreamed about it, it meant Zhuang Zhixi was probably fine.

From childhood to now, these premonitions had never been wrong.

She said, "Alright, I'll trust you for now."

Zhuang Zhixi chuckled softly: "I'm not crazy, you know. Trust me, Comrade Ming Mei, you can see I wouldn't look at her that way. I'm not blind."

He wasn't naturally enthusiastic about such matters. He and Ming Mei got together quickly because it was love at first sight. If he were really into women, he would have dated long ago. After all, during school, people were more innocent, and he had plenty of female classmates.

He wasn't bad-looking either.

Although Zhuang Zhixi could talk the talk and was known as a "ladies' man," he usually didn't flirt with young girls. He knew the boundaries.

There was no need for Zhuang Zhixi to boast about himself.

Life was about how he lived it.

She said, "Come, let's lie down for a bit."

Ming Mei: "Okay."

She said, "I wonder what delicious food my mother-in-law will make tomorrow."

Her topic shifted again, and Zhuang Zhixi said, "It should be good, right? If we can hunt something tomorrow, we can have a barbecue together."

Ming Mei: "I think so too. Speaking of hunting, I think I'm pretty good at it."

Although Ming Mei hadn't hunted much, just a time or two, she was confident in her abilities. Last time, she proved her skills. In fact, she was quick to react and move, making her better at catching prey than most people. While she might not be as good as seasoned hunters, she wasn't bad.

And Ming Mei was sure that with more practice, she would only get better. After all, practice makes perfect.

Zhuang ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‍Zhixi smiled meaningfully: "If you get any better, my older sister-in-law will see you and run like she's seen a tiger."

Ming Mei: "If she's scared of me, I think that's great. It saves me trouble. I don't want to deal with family drama all the time. If she behaves herself, that's a good thing. That's just how I am. If others don't provoke me, I won't provoke them. I'm a gentle girl."

Zhuang Zhixi rolled his eyes and said, "You're really good at blowing your own horn."

Ming Mei's little fist immediately flew over. It was true that she needed to be kept in check.

Zhuang Zhixi was crying out, laughing and begging for mercy: "I'm wrong, I'm really wrong. You're always right. But when you deal with my older sister-in-law, please don't hit me, it hurts. I'm your man, after all."

Ming Mei glared at him: "Stop talking nonsense. I didn't plan to deal with her."

She remembered what her mother-in-law had said in her dream. Her older sister-in-law was bullying the weak and fearing the strong. Being a bit fierce would do the trick.

Zhuang Zhixi: "Scare her, alright?"

Ming Mei laughed.

"Alright, stop talking nonsense. If someone hears that, they might take it seriously."

Zhuang Zhixi: "Tomorrow, my wife will show her prowess. I wonder what little animals will come to their doom. Little white rabbits, white and fluffy, tender and cute."

She swallowed and said, "I think rabbits aren't as good as chicken. I hope we get a wild chicken tomorrow. I want to eat roast chicken."

Zhuang Zhixi: "That's a must."

Ming Mei: "Pfft!"

The couple was happy, while Wang Xiangxiu was cursing and changing her clothes: "That damn dog, they'll divorce sooner or later!"

She cursed viciously!

No matter how Wang Xiangxiu cursed, the couple's relationship remained strong. Who would care about her thoughts?

******

The next morning.

Early, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, Zhao Guihua got up. She started making pancakes and then chopped some salty pork and pickled cucumbers into strips to stuff inside.

Zhao Guihua looked heartbroken at the oil being used and sighed; these days, even with their relatively good living conditions, they still felt deprived.

The aroma of pancakes and fried meat filled the air. Zhuang Zhixi, tempted by the smell, woke up and came out wearing just a shirt, saying, "Mom, what are you making?"

Zhao Guihua: "What else? I told you I was going to make you meat sandwiches, but I never had the chance. Since I woke up early today, I made some for you. One each. Try the taste."

"Oh, that's great," Zhuang Zhixi said enthusiastically.

"Of course it's good! I made Rou Jia Mo (Chinese meat sandwich), and you didn't see how much oil and meat I put in. With so many good ingredients, how could it not be delicious?" Zhao Guihua said, "Eating like this wastes so many good things. If it weren't for worrying that you all might be too tired today, I wouldn't have made such a lavish meal."

"Mom, what are you talking about? I know how much you care for us. You're the best mom we could ask for," replied Zhuang Zhixi.

Zhao Guihua chuckled, "Heh, you're all talk."

"Being able to talk well is a good thing, isn't it?"

It wasn't just Zhuang Zhixi who smelled the aroma and came out. Soon, the two kids, Hutou and Xiao Yanzi, also came running in their slippers, clattering loudly, eager and impatient.

"Granny, is it something yummy? It smells like meat!"

"Xiao Yanzi wants to eat."

Zhao Guihua said, "Yes, it's meat. Go wash up, and then we'll eat."

The kids responded in their sweet, childish voices, "Okay~"

Liang Meifen also hurried out to help. Ever since they split from the family, her meals had been much better, and her mood had improved significantly.

In fact, Rou Jia Mo wasn't anything particularly special for them. This dish had been around for a long time, but since their family wasn't well-off, they hadn't had the chance to enjoy it much.

"If every day could be like this, that would be perfect," she murmured.

The family sat down together to enjoy their lavish breakfast. But in the courtyard, others began to grumble. In these times, having such a luxurious breakfast was unheard of.

The aroma wafted through the courtyard, sparking a lot of discussion and complaints.

"Whose family is this? Aren't they holding back at all? Such a strong smell of oil."

"What kind of household is this, eating like this?"

"Someone's eating meat for breakfast? Did someone really have meat?"

"Whose family is this!"

"I want to eat meat too! I want to eat the fatty bits..." The sound of a child crying emerged. This early morning, the courtyard was bustling with noise.

Complaints, crying, and the sound of scolding children—it was a mix of familiar and unfamiliar sounds, as if it happened every day, yet not quite so chaotic. But no matter what, another lively day had begun...